After Aung San Suu Kyi's victory, all eyes have shifted to the military-backed government in capital Naypyidaw  where one-quarter of the 664 parliamentary seats are reserved for the military.
Theories abound as to why President Thein Sein, a former soldier, would be keen to introduce the recent reforms that are transforming Myanmar. Many have questioned the veracity of Thein Sein's motives  but Suu Kyi has staunchly defended him. At a news conference at her lakeside villa on Friday, she told reporters and international election observers that she trusts Thein Sein and his "genuine wishes for democratic reform", adding she is unsure as to how much backing he has from his government.

Win Myo Thu of NGO Eco-DEV said: "Will the military step down? After 1988, everyone wanted change - including the military - because the social experience [of the bloody aftermath of democratic rallies] was quite bitter. But those in government could not agree on the approach to change."